#YWeAreHere YMCA 3 Year Strategic Plan 2015-2017 Strengthening the Foundations of Community
YMCA Strategic Plan 2015 2017 Table of Contents Introdu ction... 3 Call to Action... 4 The Canada We Want... 5 The Community We Want... 5 The YMCA We Need... 5 Mission, Vision, Impact, Values and Behaviours... 6 Strategic Objectives Inspire Leadership... 8 Impact Community Health... 9 Invest in Resources & Brand Reputation...10 Phasing of Key Deliverables...11 Enablers...12 Acknowledgements...13 Giving: Benefits for All... 14 The Time is Now We are hopeful. We are determined. We are ready. For nearly 160 years we have remained relevant by getting to the core of what it means to lead a healthy life and encouraging others in spirit, mind and body. Today, we are more driven than ever to create solutions that empower individuals to take charge of their own life and strengthen their community. Our Plan places particular emphasis on the health of young people. We recognize that a healthy start in life leads to healthy communities and stronger generations. We know that it takes our collective strength to help them thrive. Creating a healthy, vibrant community for our children, means the YMCA will focus on three objectives over the next 3 years. Strategic Objectives Inspire Leadership Collaborate with others who share our vision. Empower children to become tomorrow s leaders. Impact Community Health Extend our reach and involve more people in lifechanging opportunities. Invest in Resources & Brand Reputation Increase our capacity to provide sustainable solutions. Our Guide for the Future The Strategic Plan will guide our work for the next 3 years. As a living document it is flexible and will reflect changing community needs. Our strategic objectives will be framed within an annual planning cycle. 2 YMCA 3 Year Strategic Plan 2015-2017 3
Call to Action Our children matter - yet this is the first generation that is not expected to live as long as their parents. This is no longer acceptable. We must teach children that they have potential and we must give them the opportunity to succeed. In order to do so, the YMCA has identified several areas that need our immediate attention: Increasing Poverty In Ontario, 13.1% of people live in poverty. In our communities the rates are even higher with Hamilton having the largest poverty rate in Ontario. Poverty rates are even higher among specific groups, such as children, recent immigrants, and female-led, single parent families. Not only is poverty on the rise, but the gap between those with and without is getting wider. Unequal societies fare worse according to quality of life indicators such as infant mortality, obesity, low literacy, heart disease, mental illness, and crime. Childhood Obesity The rate of childhood obesity in Canada has nearly tripled in the last 25 years. Over 30% of children and youth are overweight or obese. Research shows that if obesity rates continue to increase into adulthood, in 20 years we can expect 70% of our adult population to be overweight or obese. Not only does this mean that many more people will be suffering from obesity-related illnesses but it also means significant costs for Canada s health system. Increases in sedentary behaviours due to increasing computer and gaming habits have led to this epidemic and higher rates of juvenile diabetes. Unhealthy Lifestyles One in five people in Ontario suffers from a mental illness or addiction problem, while one in 10 is a problem gambler. In addition, Canadians are working longer hours, exercising less and eating worse, all of which contributes to poorer mental health and unhealthy lifestyles. The cost of this can be seen in direct health costs due to increases in chronic diseases as well as the loss of productivity. The Canada We Want The Canada we want will be respected internationally for its safe, vibrant communities, strong economy, and environmental sustainability. The hallmarks of this Canada will be its leadership in: improving the health of all its people, respect for diversity and pluralism, combating inequality, protecting its most vulnerable, global citizenship and nurturing the potential of young people. We want a Canada that is ranked the best country in the world for the health and well-being of children teens and young adults. (~ From Plan Y: Federation Strategic Plan, Building a stronger YMCA for a stronger Canada, YMCA Canada, 2011) The Community We Want We envision a community where all are healthy. Teens and adults work together to foster social responsibility and create a sense of place where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Intentional collaboration between sectors enables the potential of children and youth to be nurtured and lasting social change is made and sustained. The YMCA We Need Delivers programs that improve the overall health and well-being of children, teens and young adults. Cultivates leaders, of all ages and backgrounds, to advance civil society. Provides programs that generate impact with high quality evidence-based results. Is known and valued as a charity for its impact on building healthy communities and nurturing the potential of all people from all walks of life. Is valued for its ability to collaborate with others to create lasting social change. 5 YMCA 3 Year Strategic Plan 2015-2017 4 YMCA 3 Year Strategic Plan 2015-2017 5
Our Commitment to Community Our Mission The YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford is a charitable organization helping people achieve personal growth in spirit, mind and body through participation and service to the community. Our Vision Creating healthy communities in which individuals and families have opportunities to reach their potential. Our Commitment We are committed to strengthening the foundations of community: Nurturing the potential of children, teens and adults Promoting healthy lifestyles Fostering social responsibility Delivering lasting personal and social change. Our Values Our guide to decision-making and behavior Do the right thing We are caring, honest, respectful and responsible in all we do. Put people first We believe in each other our strengths, perspectives, abilities and passion. Keep our promises We do what we say we will do. Lead by example We are courageous, speak with conviction, listen attentively and collaborate. We are open We are mutually accountable we are transparent in our actions. Strategic Objectives To achieve our Vision, the Plan focuses our efforts on three key strategic objectives. These objectives are interdependent the achievement of outcomes in one area will strengthen our capacity to achieve outcomes in another area. Impact Community Health Inspire Leadership Invest in Resources & Brand Reputation 6 YMCA 3 Year Strategic Plan 2015-2017 7
Inspire Leadership We need to come together to take action on the important issues facing children, youth and families. By increasing community collaboration locally, regionally, and with our partners globally, we extend our reach to build a stronger community for future generations. We will equip children, teens and adults with the leadership skills they need to inspire lasting personal and social change. Leadership Strategies Cultivate leadership in children, youth and young adults through developmental assets. Increase our capacity to work with regional and international YMCAs. Leadership Priorities Communicate evidence of asset-building and leadership skills development through current programs. Support Youth CEO Advisory Team strategy with goal to enhance leadership and skill development of young staff and create formal mechanism for communication and knowledge with young staff. Implement Global Initiatives Strategy to address international resource requirements and program opportunities/needs. Impact Community Health We currently serve more than 200,000 people throughout our communities, but there is so much more we could do to strengthen our impact. Thousands more could benefit from the YMCA if we optimize our program delivery and facilities. Using the Social Determinants of Health as our framework, the YMCA will focus on improving the overall health of the communities we serve. Community Health Strategies Understand and increase the impact of YMCA programs. Community Health Priorities Continue provision of community-based programs that educate and promote healthy decision-making. Formalize expansion plan for LiveWell as an integral part of the health continuum, in YMCA branches throughout Hamilton, Burlington and Brantford. Participate in multi-year YMCA Healthy Kids National Market Research Strategy to gain an understanding of parental attitudes and age-specific childhood needs. The YMCA We Need by 2017 Takes an active and collaborative role in the economic and social development of our communities to help people live healthy, successful lives. Develops young people who are active leaders in their YMCAs and communities. Leverages regional and international partnerships to enhance mutual learning opportunities, strengthen YMCA programming and promote inclusivity. Prepares for on-going, responsible leadership of the organization. Intentionally plan for leadership succession across the YMCA. Identify opportunities for collaboration with regional YMCAs for knowledge sharing, project collaboration and/or resource sharing. Explore the feasibility of one or more new YMCA international partners. Design cross-cultural learning experiences to engage more youth in global development opportunities. Develop a formal peer-to-peer mentorship program for selected staff. Enhance professional development opportunities for staff and volunteers to support their growth and career goals. Become a workplace of choice with benefits that extend beyond remuneration and focus on family, health and professional development. The YMCA We Need by 2017 Provides programs that create opportunities for children, teens and young adults to deepen their involvement with the YMCA and their community. Delivers viable and sustainable programs that focus on the needs of underserved and isolated communities. Is recognized for its positive contributions to communities and for its positive impact on many of the Social Determinants of Health. Develops and delivers sustainable, community-based health care solutions. Extend our reach into underserviced communities. Grow our services. Further develop health partnerships across the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). Support the development and implementation of YMCA Canada s National Diabetes Program. Construct and officially open the Laurier Brantford YMCA. Implement strategy for a new Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA that leverages community partnerships. Continue service expansion of School Age Child Care and response to Full Day Kindergarten. Develop a capital investment strategy for successful implementation of the YMCA Wanakita Master Plan 2020, including obtaining required philanthropic resources, operational returns and government funding. Incorporate increased volunteer leadership opportunities into YMCA programming. Develop a volunteer strategy that identifies, engages and recognizes volunteers. 8 YMCA 3 Year Strategic Plan 2015-2017 9
Invest in Resources and Brand Reputation We must communicate a clear and consistent message about the YMCA - who we are, what we do and why it matters. We must appeal to our donors and funders and invest the appropriate resources to provide sustainable solutions that will make a difference in our cities. Our collective strength will be enhanced by a better understanding of how we strengthen the foundations of community. The YMCA We Need by 2017 Is respected and recognized for its role in strengthening the foundations of community, improving the health of children, teens and young adults. Is sought out by partners, donors and funders, as a leader whose cause drives interest and support. Is recognized as an employer of choice that attracts, nurtures and retains skilled staff and volunteers. Resource & Brand Strategies Improve business systems and service through technology and digital engagement solutions. Leverage and expand YMCA brand and profile. Increase our resource creation capacity. Increase our resource stewardship capacity. Become a workplace of choice. Resource & Brand Priorities Prepare business case and implement systems, infrastructure and change management processes to support new Customer Relations Management [CRM] solution. Implement Information Technology Strategy that supports operational goals in alignment with YMCA Canada technology workgroup directives. Launch new Association website based on YMCA Canada Common Web Platform. Position the YMCA as a cause-driven charitable organization and enhance understanding of impact of YMCA through continued implementation of #YWeAreHere Marketing and Communications Strategy. Develop stories and evidence that demonstrate the positive impact of donor and funder contributions. Continued implementation of a Philanthropy Strategy that strengthens our case for support, engages YMCA leadership, and grows our funding areas for community investment. Achieve operational contribution targets through effective business practices..increase new and retain existing program grants and contributions to ensure fiscal resources for new initiatives. Seek successful accreditation of Imagine Canada s Standards Program to demonstrate ethical fundraising and financial accountability. Develop and implement a Human Resources Plan that responds to celebratory and action indices reported through on-going staff engagement surveys. Develop effective recruitment, selection and retention practices for both volunteers and staff. Phasing of Key Deliverables What Gets Done by When Objective 2015 2016 2017 Inspire Leadership Impact Community Health Invest in Resources & Brand Reputation.Publish first Youth Asset-Building Report Card.Formalize MOU with YMCA of Niagara and YMCA of Oakville to advance collaboration opportunities Implement succession, mentoring and coaching systems Develop funding strategy and priorities/objectives for new international YMCA partnership Pilot Youth Entrepreneur Micro-Financing Program for high-risk and underserved youth Launch Youth CEO Advisory Team Leadership Development Conference to develop leaders in our Association Finalize new Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA project vision, partnership principles and potential partners by Board of Directors Expand Diabetes Prevention Program to Ron Edwards Family YMCA Develop strategy for Association-wide LiveWell expansion Finalize new Laurier Brantford YMCA site preparation, site rehabilitation, and land ownership Begin construction of new Laurier Brantford YMCA Confirm financial feasibility of YMCA Wanakita Master Plan 2020.Implement infrastructure investment to support YMCA Wanakita Master Plan Confirm vendor of record and operational readiness requirements for new Customer Relations Management (CRM) sales software solution Recruit Business Analyst to support change management process for CRM Implement Phase II of #YWeAreHere Marketing & Communications Strategy Launch new website based on YMCA Canada Common Web Platform Implement major gift program and new Case for Support for YMCA Strong Kids Campaign Complete preliminary planning work for a new Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA with potential partners Secure funding for new international YMCA partnership Promote peace through community development Identify international exchange opportunities for leadership, staff and volunteers Finalize new Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA MOU and partnership agreements Expand reach of YMCA Peace Medal Breakfast Implement strategy for LiveWell expansion Implement expansion of National Diabetes Program in partnership with Canadian Diabetes Association Proceed with construction of new Laurier Brantford YMCA Launch YMCA Wanakita capital campaign Initiate YMCA Wanakita Expansion Plan Explore feasibility of joint program delivery at Six Nations Youth & Elders Centre Implement new CRM business system platform and associated change management practices Focus on resource development for capital projects at YMCA Wanakita and Hamilton Downtown Finalize and begin implementation of new Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA capital funding plan Implement new international YMCA partnership strategy Initiate facility planning and design for a new Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA with partners Open the new Laurier Brantford YMCA Complete YMCA Wanakita capital campaign Continue implementation of Wanakita Expansion Plan Launch new CRM platform 10 YMCA 3 Year Strategic Plan 2015-2017 11
A very special thanks to our YMCA Board of Directors: Rebecca Repa, Chair Gary Beveridge, Vice Chair Mary Williams, Past Chair John Chisholm John Forbeck Phemon Ma Sandra R. Stephenson Bill Verity Enablers The following enablers will drive our Strategic Plan: Brand We will communicate our cause and deliver on our brand promise to strengthen the foundations of community. Collaboration We will actively pursue collaboration and engagement as a means to ensure we create positive outcomes within our community. Technology We will enhance our technological capacity to enable the engagement of young people through social media. 12 YMCA 3 Year Strategic Plan 2015-2017 13
Giving: Benefits for All Giving is central to everything we do. When donors and volunteers give to the YMCA, they enter into a partnership that allows us to further the work we do to enhance lives throughout the community. This is the first generation that is not expected to live as long as their parents. This is no longer acceptable. YMCA Strategic Plan 2015-2017 We rely on the generosity of others, both monetarily and voluntarily to help us: Provide access to the YMCA for those whose financial situation may hinder participation Offer quality programs for individuals of all ages At the YMCA, we re committed to promoting healthy lifestyles that includes promoting the health benefits of giving. Numerous studies have confirmed what we ve long known anecdotally - that the giver receives just as much in return as the recipient. The following are just some of the evidence-based health benefits of giving in time, talent and/or treasure: Giving: Improves the donor s sense of belonging Lowers stress levels Increases physical activity Enhances emotional health Enriches a sense of purpose in life Increases overall happiness To find out more about the opportunities for giving at the YMCA, please visit ymcahbb.ca 14 YMCA 3 Year Strategic Plan 2015-2017 15
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